Ken Etter injured in an accident at Fontana

[Ken Etter]

I also assumed I was good with a motorcycle full face. I am looking into getting a drag race dedicated helmet that will protect the throat and jaw better. I currently have a jaw broken in 2 places. Broke down the middle of my chin and broken right mandible also. There was a huge gash on my chin they sewed up the day of the accident. I had surgery to repair everything last friday. My jaw will be shut for up to 8 weeks! Guess its time to get creative with a blender!!!

[Floyd Staggs]

Hey Ken, it sounds like you're feeling better.
If you get bored you can jelp me put my motor back together. I have plenty of straws. LOL.

[mopar jeff]

In the midst of all this, I contacted Lamb Components and talked to Betty. I have thier brakes on both my race cars, but I wanted to be sure they had all the safety features built in. She assured me there was no way the rod could come out of the master cylinder on thier product. Also the master is a split master, so if you lose one end of the brakes, you still have the other end. Even without a factory or aftermarket proportioning valve. Just food for thought. I am glad you are doing better Ken, and I wish for a speedy recovery. I need to have a second chance at beating you on the dragstrip.

[Ken Etter]

Hey Jeff I think we are 1 and 1 now. Once they figure out how to fix my ankle I will still have to figure out what car to drive. The worst part of this whole experience for me is that I didnt own the car I was driving. Bill Riddle owned the car. I am trying to figure out how to make things square with him although he says as far as he is concerened all is good. I am hoping to be able to race at the end of the year at Vegas. 2 months to get better should be enough I hope!

[mike natoli]

Ken,
Been following your story since I first read it hear on classracer. We all know this has happened in the past to very prominent racers and it happened to me too. I'll never forget going for the brake pedal I thought something happened to my foot. Than looking down to see where the f did the brake pedal go. I remember saying "Holy s__t" what now I started kicking the bottom of the dash and I got lucky it fell back into the back of the master cylinder. Coming back down the return road I just womped the throttle and watched the pedal start to swing back. After that I spoke to my partner who had just put in a new master and decided to leave the grommet off the push rod and not replace the brake light switch or the pedal stop. I remember going through tech soon after Peter Biondo wrecked and the tech inspector ripped so hard on my brake pedal that he broke the grommet the brake switch and the pedal stop I had put in. I could not believe he used that much excessive force. I told him that I have had experience with the pushrod falling out of the master and have never had it happen since. When we leave the G force just swings the pedal and push rod from the master and sometimes will fall back into place but have it happen that one time and you will never forget. Get well soon, love watching those MOPARS you drive go.
Mike

[mopar jeff]

Originally Posted by Ken Etter

Hey Jeff I think we are 1 and 1 now. Once they figure out how to fix my ankle I will still have to figure out what car to drive. The worst part of this whole experience for me is that I didnt own the car I was driving. Bill Riddle owned the car. I am trying to figure out how to make things square with him although he says as far as he is concerened all is good. I am hoping to be able to race at the end of the year at Vegas. 2 months to get better should be enough I hope!

Ken,
I don't remember when I last beat you, but I sure remember losing to you on the fateful day. I think that was the first time we had talked much in the staging lanes, so I really fealt bad after your accident. Kind of like it happened to a close friend. From your laundry list of injuries, I am amazed you are doing so well, but I am glad. I don't know Bill Riddle, but he must be a hell of a guy. You have lots of great people around to help you, so please don't ever hesitate to ask. Us racers stick together, and will always help where we can. It would be great to see you in Vegas, racing or not. I will be there with my stocker, maybe for the national and the divisional. Hopefully you can make it out and we can meet up in the finals. Take care, and let me know if I can do anything to help.

[Diz]

Ken - I haven't met you, but I want to wish you a quick recovery. I'll try to look you up if you go to Vegas. I want to add my name to the list of drivers who have had a push rod fall out. I did it many years ago at Bakersfield. I was able to slow down and make the last turn in my car, but it is truly a frightening and helpless feeling!

I broke my neck, leg, etc. in an accident with a '32 street roadster two years ago. You may have some of the same feelings I did during recovery. I wasn't depressed; I was just very, very grateful that the broken neck didn't damage my spinal cord. I have a very slight limp today, but I am still thanking God for not being paralyzed. Your accident puts mine to shame as far as impact goes, so look on the positive side and remember always how very lucky you are!

[Ken Etter]

Yes Diz I consider myself very lucky to come out with only the injuries I have. In the hospital I did have a moment of realization that I should have been dead after seeing the pictures. That passed quickly. The one thing I regret is the pain and suffering my friends and family has gone through. Knowing how much I scared and hurt them is the worst part. My hope is awareness has been raised and that NHRA will step up and show they are "Dedicated to Safety" as the decals and logo says.